Pimpri Chinchwad Police Arrest Three In Illegal Firearms Case, Seize Weapons Worth ₹10.92 Lakh
Pimpri Chinchwad Police Arrest Three In Illegal Firearms Case, Seize Weapons Worth ₹10.92 Lakh
Pimpri Chinchwad, March 12, 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Police have arrested three members of a gang involved in the illegal sale of firearms and seized weapons and other items worth ₹10.92 lakh, officials said on Thursday.
The action was carried out by the Property Offences Cell of the crime branch following instructions from Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey to intensify action against people possessing and trafficking illegal firearms within the commissionerate limits.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Chavan laid a trap near Somatne Phata on March 10. The team intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Fronx and detained three suspects.
The accused have been identified as Sardar Akbar Syed (27) from Talegaon Dabhade, Vishal Nana Kudekar (35) from Khed taluka in Pune district, and Prashant Babusha Sonawane (28), currently residing in Chembur, Mumbai.
During the search, police recovered three country-made pistols and six live cartridges from their possession. A case was registered at Talegaon Dabhade Police Station under relevant sections of the Arms Act 1959 and the Maharashtra Police Act 1951.
Further investigation led to the recovery of one more country-made pistol and an additional live cartridge from Sonawane. In total, police seized four pistols, seven live cartridges, three mobile phones and a car, collectively valued at ₹10.92 lakh.
During interrogation, the main accused Syed reportedly revealed that the firearms had been procured from an associate named Guru Singh, a resident of Madhya Pradesh. Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the supplier.
Officials also stated that Syed has previous criminal cases registered against him, including offences related to kidnapping and extortion at Chakan Police Station.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Commissioner of Police Sarang Awad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shivaji Pawar, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Vishal Hire. Further investigation into the illegal arms network is ongoing.
